Healthy Tips For Better Live

Allergies in general are defined as hypersensitivity to some foreign particle or the other. Different people have different kinds of tolerances for foreign bodies. When some people cannot adjust with certain elements in their surroundings, they may suffer from certain skin problems that are commonly referred to as skin allergies.

There is a sure way of determining whether your skin affliction is an allergy or not. If you have got a skin problem due to a cause that has affected no one else, then it is an allergic reaction. For example, several people may be exposed to dust. But if it affects you in a strong way, then you are allergic to dust.

Skin allergies could be in the form of itching, dry and scaly skin, eruptions, rashes, boils, etc. There are three main types of problems that are associated with skin allergies. These types are as follows:-

(i) Dermatitis – This is the skin allergy which is caused due to contact with some substances. It is shown as an inflammation.

(ii) Hives – Hives is a fluid accumulation in the skin which shows up as a swelling. This is a temporary condition and heals with treatment. Hives are also known as urticaria.

(iii) Prickly Heat – This is a red rash which occurs on the body. Prickly heat is generally caused due to excessive perspiration due to hot and humid climates.

All skin problems are vata dosha disorders. Vata dosha controls the air element of the human body. Hence, when the vata dosha is vitiated, there are skin reactions. In different people, there are different degrees of the vata dosha. In some people, the vata may be weak and get easily vitiated due to external factors. Such people are more specific to skin allergies than others.

In this article, we see how to treat various skin allergies with an Ayurvedic point of view.

Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Skin Allergies

- Cassia (Cassia fistula)

Cassia is used effectively in the treatment of several irritations on the skin caused due to allergies. A paste of the cassia leaves can be applied on the skin in case of inflammation of the hands and feet caused due to extreme cold, and also swellings caused due to accumulation of fluids under the skin, as in hives.

- Henna (Lawsonia inermis)

Henna is an excellent remedy for several skin allergies. It can be used in case of hives, swellings, boils and other kinds of inflammation. Applying henna on the skin cools the skin and removes the symptom of the allergy.

- Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum)

The holy basil is venerated in Indian tradition as the tulsi. It has an almost maternal status for the Hindus. This plant is venerated for its many medicinal properties. Among the other advantages, tulsi is also used for healing skin problems. In case of itches and rashes, the juice of the tulsi leaves is applied on the skin. This is a very quick treatment for allergic skin problems.

- Madhuca (Madhuca indica)

Madhuca is used as a treatment for skin itch problems. The leaves are made into a paste and applied onto the skin in skin infections due to allergy.

- Rauwolfia (Rauwolfia serpentina)

Rauwolfia is known as sarpagandha in Ayurveda. It is a very good remedy for skin problems. In case of hives, the juice of its leaves is applied on the swollen parts to reduce itching. Relief is almost immediate.

- Sandalwood (Santalum alba)

Sandalwood is a traditional remedy for all kinds of itch problems on the skin. It is made into a paste and applied on the skin. It smoothes the skin and prevents it from allergies. Itches are immediately resolved by applying sandalwood paste on the skin. Permanent relief can be obtained by keeping the paste smeared on the skin for half an hour before washing it off. Sandalwood oil is also used in the treatment of diseases such as erysipelas (an eruptive allergic skin disease) and prurigo (an itchy skin eruption).

Dietary Guidelines for Treatment of Skin Allergies

You must take a lot of water to prevent all kinds of skin allergies. These include fresh fruits and vegetables that have high water content in them. In the summer season, take cooling drinks such as lemon juices and sherbets.

Do not consume sour foods if you have skin allergy problems often. This can vitiate the vata dosha further.

Home Remedies for Treatment of Skin Allergies



- Take about 30 milliliters of the juice of the leaves of wood apple (Feronia limonida) and mix some cumin powder in it. Take this twice daily. This is a very good treatment for urticaria or hives.

- Extract the juice of the jambula (Indian Plum) and mix some soda in it. Apply this in case of prickly heat.

- In hot seasons, drink a glass of lemon juice twice everyday. This will supplement the vitamin C content of the body lost due to perspiration and will prevent the outburst of prickly heat.

- Chomping on sugarcane several times in the hot season is also a good method of preventing prickly heat.

- If the area on the skin is exceptionally itchy, then mash a papaya and spread the paste of the papaya on it. This will reduce the itch and also make the skin healthier.

Common causes for skin allergies are : Jewelry metals such as Nickel (found in belts, coins), gold, various substances used in cosmetic products (fragrance mix, Quaternium 15, Formaldehyde, Ethylene diamine, etc), rubber (gloves, shoes), some plants, etc. Skin allergies can also be caused by food intolerance or food allergy – symptoms may include rashes or hives and may last from one minute to hours or days. Finally, Skin allergy may be due to dust mites, various air borne particles such as pollen, house dust, etc

Allergy skin testing is a safe and simple procedure that can provide useful information about your allergic sensitivities.

Term Eczema is broadly used in many persistent skin conditions which cause dryness and recurring skin rashes (The term eczema is sometimes interchanged with another skin allergy condition called dermatitis. Eczema is acute dermatitis)

Rosacea is a common skin disorder and can affect people of any age (usually starts in the 30s and 40s), It begins as erythema (flushing and redness) on the central face and across the cheeks, nose, or forehead but can also less commonly affect the neck and chest.

Urticaria (or hives) is a skin condition, commonly caused by an allergic reaction, that is characterized by raised red skin welts.

Urticaria symptoms : red, itchy, swollen area of skin that often appers in circular, raised welts in clusters (Hives can vary in size and usually affects the throat, arms and legs). Hives are usually caused by adverse reaction to medication, foods (e.g. peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish) insect bites or other irritants. When the rash lasts less than 6 weeks it’s called acute urticaria. When the rash lasts more than 6 weeks it’s referred to as chronic urticaria.

Contact with even small amounts of some substances can cause skin allergies. Common causes of work-related skin allergies include acrylate glues (super glues), epoxies, textile dyes or resins, and latex.

Definition of Allergy skin test

Allergy skin test: Test done on the skin to identify the allergy substance (the allergen) that is triggering the allergic reaction.

A small amount of the suspected allergy-provoking substance is placed on the skin. The skin is then gently scratched through the small drop with a special sterile needle.

If the skin reddens and, more importantly, if it swells, then the test is read as positive and allergy to that substance is considered probable.

What to do: Consult a doctor who might prescribe a corticosteroid cream if the eczema is very persistent. Bathe in warm, rather than hot, water with an emollient and wear cotton next to the skin whenever possible. It can be helpful to identify triggers such as eggs or dairy foods and to see if eliminating them helps.

Allergies are an indication of a compromised immune system. We unfortunately can not rid all allergens from the dog’s environment, but we can control some. We can eliminate fleas, adjust the diet and boost the immune system.

Researchers in Britain looked at both normal and extreme exposures to the biological washing powders and liquid detergents, which digest dirt and strain, and found that they do not exacerbate skin complaints.

Other causes include hair care products, including hair dye and permanent solution, and face makeup products.

THE WORST OFFENDERS ARE:

·    fragrance ingredients found in perfumes

·    after shave products and bath powders

·    preservatives and

·    household products

Neem Oil:

The vital ingredient of this cream is Neem Oil.

Neem oil obtained from crushing the seeds of the neem tree has a wide range of benefits and is highly medicinal in nature. Neem preparations can get rid of Fungal Infections effectively, quickly and safely. Neem has been found to be deadly to 14 different common fungi including those that cause infections of the vagina, skin, hands and lungs (Candida), athlete’s foot and “ringworm” (Epidermophyton). Neem oil is also used for skin diseases likes scrofula and indolent ulcers.

Green People: Caring for allergies and skin conditions naturally

At Green People, we combine plant extracts, oils and essences to create organic lotions which gently assist the skin’s processes to restore its natural balance. They help to soothe irritated skin, helping to relieve the itching and stinging which can cause much discomfort.

The symptoms of skin allergies usually occur shortly after the body contacts the allergen, within no more than 48 hours. Common symptoms of the skin allergies consist of redness, blistering, itching, swelling of the skin that affect the epidermis under the form of rashes, hives, eczemas etc.

Prevention Plan

1. Change the Diet — You Must Feed an Anti-Yeast Diet

An anti-yeast diet is one that includes meats, most vegetables and some diary. An anti-yeast diet will starve the yeast and aid in the healing process. However, diet alone will not control the problem, it is only the first step. Keep in mind a restricted diet does not have to last forever. Once your pet’s health improves, you will be able to expand on what you feed.

An effective approach to managing skin allergies has three components. Firstly you must understand the condition, then you must discover if anything is triggering your skin reaction, and thirdly you must look after your skin.

Many people think that allergies only affect the respiratory or digestive systems, but they can also affect your largest organ- your skin. As with other allergies the immune system overreacts to the presence of certain substances and releases inflammation-producing chemicals. Do some research and talk to your doctor. You can be confident of controlling your skin condition better if you are sure you understand what causes it.

The second component in managing a skin allergy is identifying then eliminating the allergens and irritants that start the itching/scratching cycle. There are over three thousand known triggers for skin allergies. Many are natural, but there are plenty of man-made ones too.

A common man-made trigger is latex, which comes from the sap of the Brazilian rubber tree. The natural proteins and those added in the manufacturing process can trigger an allergic reaction. Most people are aware that this can lead to reactions if you wear latex gloves. However latex is also present in baby pacifiers, balloons, pencil erasers and elastic bands in undergarments. There can also be problems when latex particles become airborne and are inhaled. If you have a latex allergy try to avoid the material and use vinyl or plastic where possible.

Nickel is another trigger. In addition to the obvious nickel-containing metallic objects like coins and jewelry, nickel is also present in everyday objects like scissors, bathroom and kitchen cabinet handles, and zippers. Mascara, eye shadow and eye pencils also contain nickel. Experts estimate that the number of people suffering from a nickel allergy has risen about 40% in the last decade. Much of this is believed to be due to the popularity of body piercing. Some foods also have natural nickel content and people who suffer severe symptoms may need to restrict their diet under medical supervision. At present there is no way to desensitize a person with a nickel allergy. Avoidance is the best strategy.

The third component of effective management is looking after your skin. The easiest thing to do is to keep your fingernails short to reduce the damage caused by scratching.

Managing your skin’s condition means firstly moisturizing and softening the skin to ensure it does not dry out. Your doctor may recommend you use topical corticosteroid preparations to control the inflammation.

When you take a bath soak in lukewarm water for 20 to 30 minutes. Do not have hot baths or showers, as the heat will increase skin dryness and itching. You can add oatmeal or baking soda to the bath for a soothing effect, though it does not help moisturize the skin.

Use a mild soap or a non-soap cleanser with neutral pH (pH7). If you wish to add bath oils do so after you have been in the water so that it can seal in the moisture. Do not use bubble baths as they can form a barrier that stops the bathwater moisturizing your skin.

After the bath dry yourself by patting your skin with a soft towel. This helps retain moisture. Immediately after drying your skin apply a lotion or emollient cream to help your skin retain the moisture.

To look after your skin you will also need to avoid situations where you will experience extreme physical contact, heavy perspiration, or heavy clothing. This may mean avoiding some sports. Swimming is permissible if you rinse the chlorine from your skin as soon as you leave the pool, and use a moisturizer after drying yourself.

Follow these three steps and you will be able to control your skin allergy and minimize its impact on your everyday life.